Your brain loves images. Rather than a to-do list, try a photo timeline of your immediate goals. This could be hand-drawn or images on printed page. Either way, your picture list will be worth thousands of “to-do” words…

Progress

And now, an installment from our new contributor, Keith Martin, P.Eng

A notebook for your frame of mind!

Writing things down makes an idea, a task, or an emotion that much more clear to me. To help me do this I use several notebooks to organize my thoughts and my plans without having to carry them all in my head.

First, I use a paper agenda to schedule my appointments and to-do’s. Not only is it an effective way to organize my calendar and make notes, it also provides the opportunity to look back at an entire year and take stock of accomplishments, challenges, and special moments.

In addition, I keep a journal to express emotions and thoughts in a private way – something just for me to know and to share. This helps me sort out the thoughts in my mind and remember items I want to discuss with my partner, my therapist, or family.

I also keep a “five-minute journal,” a gift I received from my psychologist cousin. In the morning, I write down a) 3 things I am grateful for, b) 3 things that would make today great, and c) a daily affirmation. I then repeat these aloud to myself, to let them sink in. In the evening, I write down 3 amazing things that happened in the day, and 2 things that would have made it go even better. It is a simple way to bring more positivity into my life.

Lastly, I have another journal where I keep track of ideas, learnings, and inspiration. Entries could be notes from a leadership book I am reading, wisdom from a meeting with a mentor, or personal inspiration. It helps to write them down.

So, I encourage you to take up writing in a notebook for yourself – and see where it takes you!

Schedule ahead of time with co-workers, supervisor, clients, etc for a late start some morning. Catch-up on a home project or non-critical appointments. Visit a friend for coffee. Recharge. Especially useful on one of those upcoming winter mornings.

Record and monitor the duration of undisrupted practice, planning or work that you are able to achieve during a week. For knowledge workers, Cal Newport suggests optimal time split is 50% undisrupted, 50% collaborative. Are you giving yourself the space to succeed?

Progress

Reward to reinforce.

To reinforce habits, set out a reward with each goal. Ensure the reward will reinforce the habit. This was described by Gretchen Rubin in a recent summit with Michael Hyatt. Gretchen has authored: Happy at Home, Better than before, The Happiness Project and hosts a podcast: http://gretchenrubin.com/podcast/

Pumpkin Spice Latte Season is just around the corner, start setting those rewards…

BREATHE Rhythmically, Evenly And Through the Heart Everyday. BREATHE. Check out around 9mins 30 seconds in this Tedx video:https://youtu.be/Q_fFattg8N0

Produce
Follow up – consistently

This applies in all cases: if the plan changes, when a task is completed, if you need more info, in sales. An active sales/service person I’ve dealt with includes a quote with his email signature, “90% of business is lost because of indifference”

Progress – Facts and Science Part 2
Observe

If you haven’t already, start observing your heart rate when you are content or when you become agitated. Practice noticing a difference when you change your breathing pattern, smooth vs halting or rushed. Around Minute 17ish of the same video.https://youtu.be/Q_fFattg8N0

Napoleon Hill used this term in his book “Think and Grow Rich”. If you don’t already have a group, go recruit a few friends for practice. Once you have the hang of it, recruit a few all-stars to heighten your game.

With brighter June mornings it is easier than ever to get up a bit early. Try subtracting 15 minutes from your normal alarm during the next week. Apply this bonus time to drawings, playing music, stretching, thinking deep thoughts (and writing them down). You might just get hooked!

This month I would appreciate some mentoring feedback: what has worked for you in the past, what was a great mentoring memory for you? I started mentoring several individuals in related sphere’s of profession and performance. Tips are much appreciated! Send ideas to the email address at the bottom of this post.

Power

Compete – at an individual event. Pushing yourself against competition will expand your own limits for performance. Get in there and feel the adrenaline!

Produce

Set aside a place to record your commitments to others. Write down, dictaphone, or draw the actions you have to deliver: update for your supervisor, draft report for co-worker, be on-time for meeting family member, pay Visa.

Progress

Eat some quality chocolate! or bit of your favourite snack when you’ve had a really good day. Train that brain to work smarter!